Guenther’s goal came in his first appearance with the Coyotes this season after recording six goals and nine assists in 33 games last year. The 20-year-old has been a standout player for the Tucson Roadrunners this season in the AHL, leading the team with 28 points in 29 games.
He scored on a broken play in the third period, tucking the puck in from behind the net to make it 4-2 at 12:33 of the third period.
“I thought I skated well tonight, and I was kind of the beneficiary of that,” Guenther said. “I got into the game early. We had a good first shift. Got in on the forecheck, and I think that allowed me to get my nerves down and settle into the game.”
Tourigny agreed.
“He was really, really good,” he said. “He had a spark, he moved his feet, I think he was our best player.”
Forward Justin Kirkland also appeared in his first game with the Coyotes after playing seven with the Anaheim Ducks last season. The 27-year-old finished 6-of-8 in the faceoff circle while recording one shot on goal in 7:23 of ice time.
“It was a special day for me, my wife, and my family, finding out that I was playing,” Kirkland said. “It’s been a pretty hectic calendar year, a lot of adversity, and it was a very special and emotional night for me.”
Namestnikov opened the scoring at 17:16 of the first period, wristing one from in-close. Ehlers made it 2-0 3:53 into the second, one-timing a shot from the high slot past Vejmelka on a delayed penalty.
Schmaltz brought the Coyotes to within a goal at 8:10 of the middle frame with his 12th goal of the season, wristing a tough-angle shot past Hellebuyck to make it 2-1.
